Homeschoolers Discover a New Home at Benedictine College

We all must go through it – leaving comfort for the unknown when we adventure off to our next destination in life. For homeschooled high school students beginning a fast-paced collegiate environment, this transition can be challenging. Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, is making a name as a highly homeschool-friendly place and a welcoming home away from home.

“The community of people there really stood out to me,” said Renee Lataif, a 2024 Benedictine graduate and prior home study student. “I really wanted to be at a place where the faculty and staff wanted my success and to achieve success –not just material success, but spiritual.”

Engineering the Future

Gianna Muggli, a rising-senior at Benedictine College studying Chemical Engineering, has also attended Seton and other home study programs, including Kolbe Academy and Memoria Press. Gianna attributes her academic success to her time at Benedictine.

“The community and faith aspect here is huge. That was so transformative; it transformed my spiritual life and helped me develop into a better person,” she said. “Being a homeschooling student who never had a traditional classroom setting before, it was really nice to know that my professors care about me not only as their student, but as a person. They want to help you and that’s what stands out to me at Benedictine. I’m very proud of my school.”

Gianna has excelled in the classroom, but also in the real world through several engineering internships.

“I was able to get several engineering internships early on, and they were always impressed with my level of knowledge,” Gianna said. “My education at Benedictine helped me in my internships as it made me stand out. I’m really grateful for my Benedictine education.”

Community Makes the Difference

William Rioux, another 2024 Benedictine graduate, is currently a manager at a winery. He completed majors in Philosophy and English after completing an independent home study program which his parents designed for the family.

Once at Benedictine, Will met people of different cultures and backgrounds, learning the value of community.

“Being open to differences of opinion can liven your social circle and expand your understanding of the world,” Will said as he reflected on his time at Benedictine. “It’s challenging, but it’s a good challenge because it can help you grow as a person.”

During Will’s college transition, he noted the very fundamental communal aspects of the college and how it made the college’s environment unique.

“Being able to learn in that environment – I was really lucky,” Will said. “To grow spiritually as a person was something that Benedictine College definitely offered me.”

Political Grad

Graduating from the Seton Home Study School program, Renee came to Benedictine ready to explore modern-day events through a faith-filled lens. She majored in Political Science and minored in Theology. In looking back, she said that the transition from homeschool to Benedictine was uncomplicated and both institutions worked together nicely.

“I would say of all the places transition might be easiest, Benedictine is the place,” Renee claims. “There is this warm, welcoming community of faith. The amazing thing about Benedictine is that you have all these resources for success no matter what your background is.”

Helping Others Find What She Found

Another homeschool student who thrived at Benedictine College is Catie Nunes. Originally from La Mirada, Calif., Catie was well-equipped on an academic and faith-filled standpoint from her homeschooling through the Mother of Divine Grace School.

When it came time to choose a college, she knew that Benedictine was going to be heavily favored. Through the curriculum of Mother of Divine Grace and the influence of her family, Catie learned the importance of faith in all aspects of her life. When she learned that Benedictine College was dedicated to Mary, had a strong Theology Department, and had a rich community life, Catie was ready to be a Raven.

“President Minnis talks about how Mary has chosen each of the students that come here, and I believe that,” Catie said. “Nothing happens by chance. I didn’t visit Benedictine College and I do think that it was because of Mary and God that I came here, and they drew me to this place.”

Catie felt well-equipped by the Mother of Divine Grace program as she began her college career and now that she has graduated from Benedictine, completing a degree in Theology, she is ready to bring more students to her alma mater. Catie recently accepted a position as an Admission Counselor for Benedictine College.

Another Home

The noteworthy experience that Benedictine College offers students has not gone unnoticed by these individuals. The mission of the college is to cultivate students in community, faith and scholarship and it is clear that everyone can benefit from that model. Faculty, staff, and peers challenge all students, including homeschoolers, while upholding their individual value as they leave comfort behind and embrace their undiscovered greatness.

By Emma R.C. Lyons